BY KAREN BOSSICK

Far and Away Adventures has once again been named one of the Top 10 White Water Rafting Adventures in the Country by Newsweek readers.

The Sun Valley rafting company is now in the running for USA Today’s Best Whitewater Rafting Tour for its Middle Fork of the Salmon River trips.

“As a whitewater outfitter who averages 300 guests a year, we’re thrilled for the recognition against operators who run upwards of 250,000 guests a season and have huge operations,” said owner Steve Lentz. “With a focus on service, we've been able to catch the attention of leaders in the travel industry.”

Sun Valley Resort is also in the running for the top spot in the USA Today Readers’ Choice Contest.

Earlier this year Far and Away acquired a coveted business giving it six additional trips for 132 guests this summer. The company headed by Steve Lentz offers luxury safari-tyle trips featuring a moveable feast of farm-to-table-type gourmet meals.

“Over the years we have adjusted and refined our trips, and these contests confirm we’re doing something right,” said Steve Lentz, founder and owner of the 45-year-old company. “Even without this type of recognition, interest in our trips is strong, so when we had the chance to add trips, we jumped on it.”

Far and Away Adventures has been leading trips through the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River for 45 years.

Guests enjoy the thrill of a river known for a hundred churning rapids in 108 miles by day. In the evening, they can relax in riverside camps with warm towels delivered to their tents, hot showers and dinner tables set with French country cloth and fine stemware.

Did we mention the specially curated wines and organic locally gown cuisine prepared by a trained chef?

A novelty on the river: A specially outfitted sweep boat, or raft with wooden deck and swivel seats can carry six, along with lunch, chairs and undercarriage tape system and wine cellar.

Trips for up to 22 guests start in May and run through October.

Want to know more? Call 208-726-8888.